I'm going ahead with it. - Page 11 - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Hychap2009 · 10-05-2009, 06:25 PM

You know what you guys, I've just realised something. The Bariactrics at Kings obviously don't have much of a system in place, I'm guessing most patients do not challenge their way of doing things. Ok, so you have your initial consultation, then they schedule you for a number of tests over a number of months; in my case I was referred to get my BP under control so that's taken some time but has not determined when I should have my surgery; they've dealt with any unanswered issues - so checked and rechecked, but during this whole process the Bariatric team do not communicate with the patient - from the time you're added to the waiting list, they do not meet with you again. I was placed on the list 23 Jan. and had my pre assessment 3rd July. Then got a call back because they had some concerns; then more tests - no direct communication. All contact has been through my efforts and that's with the admissions team. There procedures stink!!!

Now my point is - had I not found this site, I probably wouldn't have had much knowledge as I do; I have higher expectations of service than they currently offer; I've prepared myself as best I can - but not with their help - TT has been my main source of information. There has not been any discussion about food plans; how to prepare yourself for surgery, no pre-op diet, apart from the inital consultations with the registrar - nothing. Once this is all over - God willing, I will be taking this matter up with them.

Josephine · 10-05-2009, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hychap2009

You know what you guys, I've just realised something. The Bariactrics at Kings obviously don't have much of a system in place, I'm guessing most patients do not challenge their way of doing things. Ok, so you have your initial consultation, then you schedule you for a number of tests over a number of months; in my case is was referred to get my BP under control so that's taken some time but has not determined when I could surgery; they've dealt with any unanswered issues- so checked and rechecked, but during this whole process the Bariatric team do not communicate with the patient - from the time you're added to the waiting list, they do not meet with you again. I was placed on the list 23 Jan. and had my pre assessment 3rd July. Then got a call back because they had some concerns; then more tests - no communication. All contact has been through my efforts and that's with the admissions team. There procedures stink!!!

Now my point is - had I not found this site, I probably wouldn't have had a much knowledge has I do; I have higher expectations of service; I've prepared myself as best I can - but not with their help - TT has been my main source of information. There has not been any discussion about food plans; how to prepare yourself for surgery, no pre-op diet, apart from the inital consultation with the registrar - nothing. Once this is all over - God willing, I will be taking this matter up with them.

I've had the exact same thing Hyacinth. I was in the hospital from Fri - Mon and despite asking at least 6 times (and waiting for it in the mail 16 months!!), the morbid obesity nurse never came to see me to give me the folder of information. If it wasn't for the dietician calling today and all the information from TT, I'd be screwed. In my case I just found out it's because I went thru my PCP instead of an informational seminar. Did you do the same?

Hychap2009 · 10-06-2009, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josephine

I've had the exact same thing Hyacinth. I was in the hospital from Fri - Mon and despite asking at least 6 times (and waiting for it in the mail 16 months!!), the morbid obesity nurse never came to see me to give me the folder of information. If it wasn't for the dietician calling today and all the information from TT, I'd be screwed. In my case I just found out it's because I went thru my PCP instead of an informational seminar. Did you do the same?

I was referred to the Obesity clinic at Kings College Hospital in 2007, (don't remember which month) by the Diabetic Clinic at Kings, just another clinic which I'm an outpatient for. It was my diabetic consultant that put forward the suggestion (suggestion -I use that word loosley). Basically, she told me that my health problems had become life threatening and the best thing was to consider wls as this may give me chance to improve my health issues. Under these circumstances I felt depressed about the whole thing - I had no choice but to pursue this - somewhat reluctantly, that is until I came across TT. TT helped me come to terms with the idea and benefits of having WLS, I felt a little bit like a failure because I could not rectify my weight by myself and have to result to WLS. Although I'm still a little scared at the risk - I'm confident that its worth it. I have a lot of commitments i.e firstly my mum who has dementia - and my grand daughter who is 18 months; I need to get well if I'm to continue supporting them.

Anyway, I just think these insensitive lot have not given the necessary consideration in putting the correct systems and procedures in place. They have not acknowledged that the way they operate now has a devastating impact on us the patients.

Vickichacha · 10-06-2009, 04:28 PM

Hi Hyacinth,
What you have been through is really bizarre.
At least once it is time for the op you should have reached the stage where you are sure you want it done or not.I guess that is something.If you had of gone on the strict pre-op diet when you first decided to go ahead with it you wouldn't have needed the surgery by this stage.You probably would have looked totally emaciated by now!!!
My prep for the op involved a time frame of about 8 weeks from beginning to end and that was taking in the go slow over Xmas.
Hang in there Hyacinth though I must admit if I were you I probably would have started operating on myself just from going crazy with the waiting.
Lots of hugs
Vicki

Hychap2009 · 10-06-2009, 04:34 PM

Hi Vicki

You're a card. lol. At least I can still laugh. Embrassing the hugs. xx

Hychap2009 · 10-07-2009, 05:55 AM

Hi folks, I just got a call from the hospital - minutes ago, I got my date. I will be going in on 19th and surgery will be on 20th October. YAY. Thank you all for your support thus far. Now your prayers will be most appreciated. YAY!!